50 Favorite Kitchens

From cottage to country to contemporary, check out our editors' picks for the best kitchens.

Laurey W. Glenn

Modern Chic

The hidden storage, sleek finishes, and functional island won this clean kitchen a Southern Home Award by Southern Living. Ebony-stained oak cabinets bring depth to the space but are lightened with white granite countertops and a frosted glass backsplash.

Thomas J. Story

Sustainable and Sophisticated

This clean, modern kitchen balances cool and warm tones with abundant natural light.

John Granen

Small Spaces

Add a little, gain a lot. That's the lesson one couple learned when they made a small addition to the cramped galley kitchen in their home. Curves in the range hood and shelf-support brackets add softness to the geometric cabinets, tiles, and appliances. Open shelves keep cooking staples within easy reach.

Tria Giovan

Black and White

A mismatched kitchen island stands out from the discreet cabinetry. Matchstick shades tie the wooden island and black cabinets together.

Photo: Jean Allsopp; Designer: Kelly McCombs

Classic Kitchen

Neutral walls act as a backdrop for wooden window casings and custom cabinetry. A built-in cupboard with glass doors and open shelving provides storage and display space for dinnerware. Windows fitted with modest, striped Roman shades allow natural light to flood the space.

Quintessential Cottage

Chalkboard Charms

A chalkboard wall in this kitchen allows guests to leave their mark. Pantry doors on the right conceal a washer and dryer. The counter of the island extends to accommodate a small breakfast bar.

Laurey W. Glenn; Ralph Anderson

Effortless Elegance

Functional fixtures and modern appliances peacefully coexist with graceful glass lanterns and cushy swivel-seat barstools in this simple, elegant kitchen.

Jean Allsopp

Practical Fashion

Perfect for the gourmet chef and the entertainer, this kitchen's island doubles as a work space and a buffet or bar.

Dominique Vorillon

Custom Island

Craft your own kitchen island with inspiration from antique pieces like this custom island made of a wooden shiplap back and bracket feet from limed oak. White marbleized subway tiles create this clever backsplash.

IPC Images

Quaint and Quirky

Incorporate vintage finds to give your kitchen that homey feel. Bring in bright colors by painting either old (or new) wooden chairs in an array of pretty hues.

Jean Allsopp; Stylist: Cari South

Creative Kitchen

A sheer ivory-colored finish applied to the horizontal cypress paneling gives a light and airy feel to this kitchen. The open storage is both a means of displaying cookware and an example of creative shelf design. The open shelving is great for showcasing serving pieces and pottery, and guests love them because they can easily find needed items.

Zen Kitchen

Red is a color most often seen in dining rooms. But these kitchen cabinets sport nine coats of high-gloss red exterior paint, which mimics Asian lacquer treatments and echoes the house’s Zen restraint. The bright hue also energizes the room and sets the stage for convivial gatherings.

Jean Allsopp; Stylist: Lisa Powell

Classic Comfort

The combination of the creamy taupe-glazed cabinets and the rich black granite countertops in this kitchen is dramatic. Still, it's the details that make this room unique. Usually reserved for a window, the tiled space behind the sink offers a way to easily change the look of the kitchen with different pieces of art.

Colleen Duffley

Play With Pattern

Instead of choosing veined countertops or busy wallpaper, try pattern in an unexpected place. Two oversize drum shades in a crewel-like print do wonders to spice up an otherwise neutral kitchen.

Colleen Duffley

Natural Textures

In this coastal kitchen, natural materials bring the beach indoors; the window treatments, the area rug, the cabinets, and even the countertop accessories are reminiscent of the beach. The many textures are the key to perking up this neutral kitchen.

Urban Entertaining

The owners of this kitchen were unhappy with their cabinets' door style, so they ordered new door fronts made of maple, and then painted the original frames a glossy black. To update the existing oven and dishwasher, they bought stainless steel sheets and applied them to the fronts of both appliances.

Muffy Kibbey

Contemporary Kitchen

In this kitchen, the tone is set by granite counters and sleek stainless steel appliances. The custom-designed cabinets -- stained dark cherry to match the red hues in the granite -- include pullout corner and pantry systems. The island has a chopping-block table that can be wheeled out and used as a cart.

Modern Marvels

Merged Spaces

In this home, one large, airy space contains the kitchen, dining room, and sitting area. The arched doorway and exposed beams are features that make this space appealing.

Van Chaplin

Check Mate

There isn't much wall space in a kitchen full of cabinets. So if you want a colorful room, you'll have to look to the cabinets as the source. A bold color such as aqua creates a strong visual impact. This stylish kitchen is also practical for a large family. The lower cabinets contain pull-out drawers that make items easily accessible for everyone.

Laurey W. Glenn

Salvaged Wood

In this old-world kitchen, salvaged wood flooring inspires the entire space (and is an eco-friendly choice). Leftovers from the flooring were used to create the dining table, and pecky cypress kitchen cabinets complement the warm wood throughout.

Jean Allsopp; Stylist: Rose Nguyen

A Chef's Haven

This Southern Living Idea House kitchen features cabinetry with an antique cream-colored glaze. Appearing to be a large cabinet, the refrigerator is disguised by panels. The area features quartz stone countertops, while an ample island occupies the center and makes food preparation a pleasure. Outfitted with heart-pine ceiling beams and sage walls like the nearby breakfast room, this kitchen is any homeowner's dream.

John Clark

Eco-Chic Space

This eco-friendly kitchen resides in a boathouse anchored on a Seattle lake. The cabinets are finished in bamboo and sky-lights provide ample natural light and ventilation.

Jeff McNamara; Designer: Mark Maresca

Collector's Kitchen

This kitchen's cathedral window welcomes natural light and makes a bold architectural statement. An antique bin from an old general store and European chocolate molds give the kitchen a sense of age. Waxed wood finishes underscore the look.

Well-Seasoned Style

Whether planning meals for just themselves or many guests, these homeowners enjoy a kitchen that's as inviting and bright as a spring garden. The large island and plentiful granite countertops provide convenient work surfaces while anchoring the kitchen.

Brian Vanden Brink

Family Kitchen

This hardworking kitchen is equipped for a big family or lots of guests, and the cottage's open floor plan allows hosts to participate in the party. A cooktop with a nonstick grill and self-ventilation system and a combination oven and drop-down-door microwave make preparing dinner a breeze. Two under-mount sinks (featuring goosenecked faucets) complete the kitchen.

Margot Hartford; Designer: Michael Connell Architect

Storage Strategy

In this kitchen, architect Michael Connell used standard overhead cabinets -- typically 12 inches deep -- below the counter in some areas instead of standard floor cabinets, which are usually 24 inches deep. This allowed him to fit in a dining peninsula and a shallow storage area without taking space away from circulation and seating. Storage needs dictated a row of cabinets stretching between the living room and the kitchen. Connell put glass doors on both sides of the cabinets, allowing the space to remain visually open.

Kitchen Renovation

Surf's Up

Beach houses are great places to take risks you wouldn't normally take. This surfboard-style kitchen island is functional, eco-friendly, and appropriate for the setting.

John O'Hagan; Stylist: Jan Gautro

Cook's Center

The gas range has an alcove of its own surrounded by cultured stone. Narrow, built-in shelves on either side of the range are perfect for storing spices.

Robbie Caponetto

Rustic Kitchen

To give a new lake house kitchen the ambiance of a much older one, these homeowners used rough-hewn X-beams in the ceiling and travertine countertops as foils to the slick stainless steel appliances. Horizontal painted paneling mimics the look of an old-fashioned summerhouse.

Laurey W. Glenn; Stylists: Buffy Hargett, Alan Henderson

Country Kitchen

Distressed, furniture-style cabinetry in hues of cocoa and cream creates a casual atmosphere. The matte finish of the deep brown honed-granite countertops reinforces the aged appearance. Cabinets suspended over the island showcase a collection of colorful dishes. Glass doors and sides allow light to pass through, softening the visual impact of the cabinetry.

Jean Allsopp

Shared Space

The family room and kitchen share a hipped roof, with an exposed beaded board ceiling and rafters. This type of treatment creates a relaxed setting and continues the louvered cabinets' tropical feel.

Thomas J. Story

Suburban Modern

Bright lights, large rectangular openings, and a simple palette of green, blue, white, and stainless steel create a clean look and a handsome foil for the curvilinear barstools. Open shelves around the sink and range hold smaller objects, such as dishes, serving bowls, and glasses, items the couple uses every day.

Thomas J. Story

Farmhouse Influence

The sliding barn door allows this “modern farmhouse” kitchen to be hidden for formal dinner parties and serves as a place to hang holiday greeting cards.

Dominique Vorillon

Classics Count

With classic marble countertops and antique blue accents, this coastal kitchen has a sleek, modern take on traditional nautical decor.

Jean Allsopp

Cabin Fever

This cabin kitchen uses warm wood tones and simple design to create a cozy space. An heirloom-style black china hutch is the focal point, and a funky pendant lamp emphasizes the mountain flair.

Tria Giovan

Green With Envy

The green color of the cabinets absorbs light in this open, white kitchen – white on white would have been too much.

Photo: Tria Giovan; Stylist: Jan Gautro

A Kitchen That Cooks

This space combines modern, energy-efficient appliances with accents of a traditional farm kitchen, such as exposed shelves and rustic pine ceiling beams. The wheat-colored subway-tiled backsplash contributes to the classic feel, even as it contrasts with the contemporary stainless steel appliances and the South African granite countertops.

Roger Davies

Open Shelves

With open shelving instead of cabinets, plates and cookware become objects of art. Use the highest shelf for real art objects instead of cooking supplies. The pantry is hidden behind stainless steel doors, which resemble a second refrigerator.

Van Chaplin; Charles Walton IV

Function First

This kitchen is begging for family dinners. Aside from being beautiful and bright, it boasts clever and convenient amenities like accessible outlets. (There is one on each leg of the island.) The island appears mobile, but it is actually stationery. The freestanding legs make the kitchen look more spacious, while the rolling butcher block offers more counterspace when necessary.

Annie Schlecter

Subway Style

In this simple kitchen, green subway tiles run all the way to the ceiling. Open shelving seems to float on the tile and provides extra storage, while sconces are great for task lighting.

Roger Davies

Colorful Kitchen

In tight spaces, make smart use of wall space with slim plate racks instead of overhead cabinets. Opt for track lighting in lieu of bulky mounted fixtures, and leave small windows uncovered to let in light.

Hidden Kitchen

This home's kitchen is cleverly hidden behind a tall island made of whitewashed cedar panel cabinets. Three white pendant lights provide great task lighting and create a casual ambiance.